Root Canal
Overview
When decay or infection reaches a tooth’s nerve, root canal therapy is usually the best solution. Root canal therapy preserves teeth that would otherwise die and need to be removed. A root canal also saves the patient from reoccurring pain and the danger of abscesses in the mouth by removing living tissue and decay from inside the infected tooth. Root canals should only be performed by a dentist who specializes in endodontics. Our Roseville dentist office is staffed with a team of caring professionals who are extensively experienced in endodontics and root canals.
Root canal treatment takes either one or two office visits, depending on the patient’s needs. Because we know that root canals can be uncomfortable, our Roseville dentist office takes great care to ensure that the root canals we perform are as quick and painless as possible. Patients who are in need of root canal therapy need to seek out a qualified, experienced endodontist, and we offer the best at our Roseville dentist office.
What Is An Endodontist?
Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy. All endodontists are qualified dentists who have undergone an additional two years of education and training. This training focuses on treating the inner parts of the tooth and the tooth’s nerves and living tissue. Root canal therapy should only be performed by an endodontics specialist. If a patient needs root canal therapy, his Roseville dentist should refer him to a trusted endodontist. The Roseville dentist and the endodontist will then work together to ensure that the patient receives the best treatment possible. An endodontist can save teeth that would otherwise die. He can also improve a patient’s overall oral health and keep her natural smile intact.
Reasons You May Need Root Canal Therapy
When tooth decay reaches the living tissue inside of a tooth, known as the tooth pulp, a root canal is necessary. A root canal may also be required when a tooth is severely injured or when an infection or abscess develops at the root tip or inside a tooth. An endodontic disorder can occur without any warning signs, but the patient usually experiences some pain or discomfort that signals a problem. Patients who experience any of the following warning signs should visit their Roseville dentist as soon as possible:
- Teeth or gums that are painful or tender to the touch
- Tooth or gum discoloration
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to cold or heat
- Pus draining into the mouth
- An abscess, which may look like a pimple, on the gums
- Tenderness or swelling in the lymph nodes under the jaw
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy
The patient’s Roseville dentist will x-ray her teeth and gums and recommend a treatment plan. When a root canal is needed, a local anesthetic is first applied to the tooth and the area around it. A small plastic sheet, known as a dental dam, is then placed around the tooth to isolate it and keep it dry.
After the anesthetic has fully numbed the area, an opening is made in the top of the tooth by the endodontist. The endodontist then removes the nerves, soft tissue and decay from inside the tooth. After the tooth is cleaned and medicated, the endodontic specialist fills it with a biocompatible latex material known as gutta percha. At this point a temporary or permanent filling is put in place, and a crown may be installed on the next visit—generally about a week later.
If you have any questions related to root canal therapy please contact your Roseville dentist.
